Man and the Expanding Universe, Model, [Plaster]

Man and the Expanding Universe, Model, [Plaster]

Figure sculpture, American--20th century

The Expanding Universe (Man and
The Expanding Universe), 1964
Maquette
Plaster original

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall M. Fredericks
1994.029

This maquette for the fountain in the South Court of the State Department Building in Washington, D.C. shows Fredericks' initial design concept to commemorate American exploration of outer space. The stick figure on ground level represents a life-size person for scale, and the metal arcs show the water spray patterns.

When a sculptor creates a fountain, integrating the water with the sculpture is very important. Here the dynamic nature of our expanding universe is conveyed by the arching paths of the moving water and the twisting action of the Herculean figure who throws satellites into space. According to Fredericks, the spiral "orbit" represents the speed and perpetual movement of heavenly bodies. The quarter-scale model for the sphere and figure is on display in the south end of the Museum.

Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

1964

Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

Sculpture

University Center (Mich.)

23.625" h

Plaster, Metal

1994.029

Main Exhibit Gallery

05/26/1994 gifted to MFSM

Restoration was done on the Washington D.C. sculpture in about 2005. When the sculpture was rededicated the plaque had Marshall's name. The new plaque had Marshall W. Fredericks.